EEI Rewards Power Companies for Lending a Helping Hand

The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) has rolled out its annual Emergency Assistance Awards, with Oncor, Pacific Gas and Electric Company and dozens of others claiming honors for helping sister companies restore power after natural disasters in the past year.

It was a big year for disaster-related headlines, led by Hurricane Sandy in late October. EEI President Tom Kuhn praised Oncor for its role in helping the Northeast recover. Oncor also was instrumental in helping other utilities recover from a powerful derecho in the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic states in June and Hurricane Isaac along the Gulf Coast in August.

Getting the Lights Back On Is Never Easy

“Oncor’s restoration assistance following these three major storm events was truly remarkable,” said EEI President Tom Kuhn. “Getting the lights back on quickly and safely following a major storm is never easy. Working through the industry’s mutual assistance program, Oncor’s crews were essential in helping their fellow utility companies restore service in affected neighborhoods. Importantly, Oncor’s assistance also shows their compassion in helping others in their time of need. I congratulate them.”

Oncor’s chief operating officer, Jim Greer, was quoted as saying his company “takes great pride in lending expertise and equipment to storm recovery.”

“Our employees and contractors were able to provide assistance to so many people in great need. To be rewarded for these efforts is an incredible honor,” Greer said.

The Emergency Assistance Award has been presented to EEI member electric companies since 1998 in recognition of extraordinary efforts to help restore electric service to another company that has been disrupted by severe weather conditions or other natural events. The awards follow an international nomination process.

PG&E Also Honored

PG&E also was among the companies honored with the award, for its efforts after Hurricane Sandy. After the storm, PG&E dispatched more than 250 employees and 100 pieces of equipment to help Con Edison and Long Island Power Authority. Along with employees of power companies across the nation, they worked countless hours restoring power to residents in Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Long Island.

“The electric utility industry, through EEI, has a long tradition of providing essential assistance to impacted utilities following natural disasters,” said Tony Earley, Chairman, CEO and President of PG&E Corporation. “I’m proud of the incredible effort that PG&E employees put in to restoring power to thousands of New Yorkers in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. This award is a tribute to the men and women of PG&E.”